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Vet Tech Tales #1
The Early Years
Armed with the belief that simply loving animals would be enough to see her through high school, college, and eventually into veterinary medicine, Phoenix is in for some rude surprises as she navigates her way toward a career working with animals in "The Early Years," the first installment of her VET TECH TALES series.
From the dying finch found miraculously "resurrected" in a pet store to the diabetic poodle that gives its elderly owner a purpose in life to an embarrassing incident with a coyote, these engaging true tales reinforce how the animals we meet teach us the greatest lessons about what it means to be human.
A charming coming-of-age story for anyone who's ever had a dream or a pet.
From the dying finch found miraculously "resurrected" in a pet store to the diabetic poodle that gives its elderly owner a purpose in life to an embarrassing incident with a coyote, these engaging true tales reinforce how the animals we meet teach us the greatest lessons about what it means to be human.
A charming coming-of-age story for anyone who's ever had a dream or a pet.
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2011
31 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2025
"I was staying because one thing was very clear: from here on out, my life was no longer my own. I belonged to the animals."
August 19, 2020
This book was just super! Engaging, interesting and it reminded me of my youthful dream of becoming a vet. The life-changer was the time during high school when I took a class that explored career options. I spent 2 hrs every afternoon for a couple of weeks at a vet hospital and it was there that I realized to my shocked horror that not everyone loves their animals as much as me. I liked reading about Phoenix's wake-up calls about life and the reality of college, bills, dreams and how things change from what you expected.
I was very annoyed to see her being used by so many people--just as I was as a naive youngster--but it was nice to see that it didn't turn her into a bitter person either.
The only thing I wish about this book is that she actually came out with the second book, because the moment I finished this one I was racing to get the second one, only to learn it was never released. Bummer. However, I highly recommend this neat book which tells the story of how Phoenix got to the point of her first job as a vet tech.
I was very annoyed to see her being used by so many people--just as I was as a naive youngster--but it was nice to see that it didn't turn her into a bitter person either.
The only thing I wish about this book is that she actually came out with the second book, because the moment I finished this one I was racing to get the second one, only to learn it was never released. Bummer. However, I highly recommend this neat book which tells the story of how Phoenix got to the point of her first job as a vet tech.
December 30, 2016
Interesting
As a life long animal lover and having grown up just a couple of years earlier I certainly understand the frustration that any girl or young woman felt growing up. While it may have been the time of women's lib, for most the idea was a long way from being accepted. The book is an interesting look at life from her point of view but definitely needs more about the animals.
As a life long animal lover and having grown up just a couple of years earlier I certainly understand the frustration that any girl or young woman felt growing up. While it may have been the time of women's lib, for most the idea was a long way from being accepted. The book is an interesting look at life from her point of view but definitely needs more about the animals.
January 23, 2021
Quick, interesting read
Interesting read for someone considering working with animals. Includes a quick view of a woman considering attending veterinary school, and her journey.
Interesting read for someone considering working with animals. Includes a quick view of a woman considering attending veterinary school, and her journey.
December 22, 2016
When Phoenix Sullivan (a pseudonym) was a little girl, she wanted to be a vet even though during the mid-70s very few women were entering this profession. She wasn’t going to let this stop her and with a tremendous amount of confidence, she works to make this dream a reality. She shares some of her anecdotes (and lessons learned) on that path in this book while she was more of a young girl and not a vet. And while she seemed to have a fair amount of intelligence, I found her to be rather judgmental against certain people. She was very sure of herself, but did that make her competent to judge others? I was expecting more stories along the lines of James Herriot, and while this says it is the first of a series, I don’t see any others and don’t think I would pick one up if I did.
February 9, 2013
As a veterinarian, I enjoyed the stories in this book. However, the author seems to be a bit too cynical about the profession for me. I, like her, always knew I wanted to be a vet. I made that decision in the fifth grade. But I always knew there would be a lot more required than simply loving animals. This is a necessary attribute if you ask me, but not the only one. Overall an entertaining book, but the author's attitude did somewhat irritate me.
May 1, 2013
This was a super short, sweet,read. Nothing too mind-blowingly exciting, but not horrible either. The book is basically about a young girl who dreams of being a vet. She tells about some of her experiences leading up to her first job as a vet tech. Nothing really memorable, but since it's so short, it doesn't hurt to read it.
August 20, 2015
Very good book!
I like this book very much. It showed a look into an environment I had never read about. With a niece who just graduated and got her vet tech licence I was happy to see a book about this field. I did not put this book till I had finished it. A very easy and interesting read.
Thanks Mrs. Sullivan for a good read.
I like this book very much. It showed a look into an environment I had never read about. With a niece who just graduated and got her vet tech licence I was happy to see a book about this field. I did not put this book till I had finished it. A very easy and interesting read.
Thanks Mrs. Sullivan for a good read.
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February 25, 2016kindle 100 pages
April 8, 2012
Great Book!
May 30, 2012
Light reading - not interesting enough to make me want to read the next in the series when it does come out.
July 16, 2012
It was cute...short but sweet!
December 6, 2012
Adorable. a short, heartwarming read. Just what I needed.
December 30, 2012
The early years of a vet technician. Nicely told.
March 9, 2013
I enjoyed this book very much!
September 23, 2014
A young girl aspires to become a vet because of her love of animals and this story tells part of her journey.
February 13, 2017
It was OK, not sure I was really in tune with the author.
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February 2, 2014Great descriptive story
Loved this book! very down to earth easy read. I also could relate to her experiences as I am a vet tech student.
Loved this book! very down to earth easy read. I also could relate to her experiences as I am a vet tech student.
May 15, 2014
Possible career change? But no, not a big fan of this story. I kind of disliked the author....
March 13, 2016
Short but nice story of a woman who wants to become a vet
March 31, 2017
I wish the book was longer and there were more of her experiences.
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February 13, 2018Interesting
Was a very quick read and well written on a variety of subjects. Would have liked it to be a bit longer. Would recommend.
Was a very quick read and well written on a variety of subjects. Would have liked it to be a bit longer. Would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews